Spread of Give-Up Theory in Japan Saying "Nothing to Gain" Ahead of '2025 Expo'

Soaring Construction Costs
Low Willingness for Domestic Participation in Japan

Sudden 'abandonment theory' is emerging regarding the Japan Osaka-Kansai World Expo scheduled to be held in 2025. It is reported that the construction of the venue, which was promoted with great expectations, is facing setbacks due to rising material costs and labor expenses.

According to local Japanese media such as NHS Broadcasting on the 30th of last month (local time), online sales of Osaka-Kansai Expo tickets began on that day. The ticket price is 7,500 yen (about 66,000 won) for adults, and the ticket sales revenue will be used for future event operating expenses. The Osaka Expo will be held for half a year starting from April 13, 2025.

The problem lies in the preparation costs for the Expo. Initially, the Japanese government estimated the construction cost for this Expo at 125 billion yen (about 1.0987 trillion won). However, after winning the bid for the Expo, the construction cost ballooned to 185 billion yen (about 1.626 trillion won).

Construction site of the 'Expo Hall' where the Osaka-Kansai World Expo will be held [Image source=Yonhap News]

After the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain crises and other factors caused labor and material costs to soar, pushing the expenses even higher. Currently, the project cost is estimated to require 235 billion yen (about 2.0655 trillion won).

There is also little enthusiasm for participating in the Expo within Japan. According to a survey conducted by Sankei Shimbun from the 15th to the 20th of last month, only 31.2% of respondents said they "want to go to the Expo."

Because of this, it is reported that the 'Expo abandonment theory' is even being discussed locally. The argument is that if the event is abandoned at this stage, only about 3.5 million yen (about 30.76 million won) would need to be compensated to participating countries, which is much cheaper than the operating costs of the Expo including construction expenses.

However, according to the media, the Japanese government maintains the position that "there will be no abandonment." Experts also point out that if the event were actually canceled, astronomical penalties would arise from canceling already commenced construction, and the country's credibility could suffer severe damage.

Meanwhile, the Japan Expo is planned to be held at the currently under-construction 'Expo Hall.' The Expo Hall is designed to resemble the 'Tower of the Sun,' a symbol of the Osaka Expo held in 1970, and will have about 2,000 seats inside for music and theater performances.